"But, since it is all in the interest of the Orphan Asylum—"
"Say, rather, in her own interest, to put herself on a pedestal because of her generosity! Oh, she has succeeded at the first stroke! Already, at the Hotel de Montgeron they swear by her; and if this sort of thing goes on, I shall very soon be regarded only as a pariah!"
"Poor Monsieur Desvanneaux!"
"You pity me, dear Mademoiselle? I thank you! The role of consoler is truly worthy of your large heart, and if you do not forbid me to hope—" said this modern Tartufe, approaching Eugenie little by little.
"Take care!" said she; "suppose the General should be hidden under that table, like Orgon!"
"The General!" exclaimed Desvanneaux; "he is too much occupied elsewhere!"
"Occupied with whom?"
"With Zibeline, probably. He never left her side all the evening, last night at the Opera."
"Pardon me! He was here until after ten o'clock."
"Yes, but afterward—when the opera was over?"